The Cowboys picked up a big win Monday night against Utah Valley in the Arena-Auditorium, 74-68. The semi-final victory has the Pokes headed to Coastal Carolina on Monday to start their best of three CBI championship series against the Chanticleers.
The win gives the Cowboy’s their 400th win in the AA.
“Extremely proud of this team, coaching staff, and program,” head coach Allen Edwards said. “I was happy because we got it done on the defensive side of the floor tonight. I thought it was a good effort by everyone tonight.”
The Pokes were able to get three players in double figures, with Justin James leading the way with 16 points. The Pokes shot 46 percent from the field, but only managed to shoot 20 percent from behind the arc. That is when the Pokes turned up the defense.
“We were mainly focused on defending,” James said. “We did a good job of that and it helped to keep the score tight. If we keep defending like that we are going to be alright.”
Wyoming entered the half up 39-33 after a 10-0 run in the first half. The Cowboys ended the half with only three turnovers compared to UVU’s seven. UW was also able to hold the Wolverines to 37 percent from the field in the half.
In the second half, UVU was able to take the lead 67-66 on pair of free throws with 3:20 left in the game. With just under two minutes left James hit two free throws to regain the lead, but the Pokes weren’t done yet.
With 43 seconds left in the game, guard Jason McManamen made a lay-up to extend the lead to three, 71-68. The basket put McManamen in the record books by reaching the 1000 career points milestone. He is the 35th Cowboy to reach the 1000 mark and only the 5th Wyoming native to do so.
“I’m really happy for Jason (McManamen),” Edwards said. “He is a great kid from a great family, and you just need more of those guys in your program.”
The basket helped to seal the victory for UW and advanced the Pokes into the CBI championship.
“The 1000 point achievement is awesome, but I’m more excited that we get to compete for a championship,” McManamen said. “I’m excited to go to Carolina and hopefully get a win so we can get back home and finish it off.”
The CBI championship is a best of three series that will send UW to Carolina for the first game on Monday and bring the Pokes back to Laramie for games two and three (if necessary).
“I told the guys this is not easy. I don’t care if it’s the NCAA Tournament, CBI, NIT, or the CIT, you have to work to put yourself in a position to win these tournaments,” Edwards said. “They could have easily packed it in after the Mountain West tournament, but playing post season basketball is not only good for this season but the next one. I really commend them for that.”
The players are just as excited to play for a title and the chance to win it in the AA.
“It’s been really fun for me,” Lou Adams said, who finished with 12 points on the night. “Coming from the junior college level to the highest division and being able to play for a championship is special. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone other than these guys. We have been through some ups and downs this season but getting this championship would really secure our year.”
The game time for Monday is still in discussion, but all three games will be broadcasted on ESPNU.
